Man appears in court charged with murder of Plymouth teenager

A body, believed to be that of the missing teenager, was discovered on Tuesday afternoon close to the beach at Bovisand, about seven miles from where she was last seen.

Cody Ackland, wearing a grey tracksuit and a blue face mask, appeared at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday and was remanded into custody to appear at the city’s crown court on Monday.

The defendant spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the short hearing.

Chair of the magistrates Louise Ferris told him: “Mr Ackland, you are being sent for trial at the crown court sitting at Plymouth and you will appear there for a preliminary hearing and you are remanded in custody until November 29.”

Ackland is the lead guitarist in Plymouth-based indy band Rakuda, who released their first EP in August this year.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the family of the 18-year-old victim had been informed of the charge and were being supported by specialist officers.

Ms McLeod left her home in Leigham at about 6pm on Saturday November 20 and was last seen waiting at a bus stop close to her house as she made her way into town.

Thank you for doing everything to try and find her and bring our baby home

Donna McLeod

Hundreds of people gathered by the spot she was last seen to hold a candlelit vigil in her memory.

A bank of flowers dotted with candles has been laid by local residents over the past few days.

Donna McLeod, the victim’s mother, was very distressed during the vigil but was able to thank the crowd for all the love and support her family has received over the last few days.

“Thank you for doing everything to try and find her and bring our baby home,” she said.

The remaining Rakuda band members announced on Friday they would be disbanding “with immediate effect”.

In a post on the band’s Facebook page, they wrote: “The remaining members of Rakuda … are all extremely shocked and in complete disbelief by the tragic event that has unfolded over the last several days.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Bobbi-Anne McLeod’s family and friends who must be devastated at their loss.

“As a mark of respect, we have decided that we shall not be going forward as a band and will be disbanding with immediate effect. We will not be making any further comments at this time.”